Just replace the boot. Or have it done. Factory axles should be fine if the splines are semi-tight. OEM axles are generally the best anyway. Most aftermarket axles you'll be replacing them again in a few yrs. I just put new outer CV boots on a couple weeks ago. Mine have 175k miles on them...they're still great and tight. Not that difficult to do ...just takes about 50 easy steps... LOL. But none difficult. Here are the basic re-do steps:
- Purchase a boot kit from Mopar online or parts. Or RockAuto. I would buy Mopars b/c ...although pricey, the new boots are a high-quality thermo-plastic which lasts longer than rubber. You wouldn't think so, but that's the concensus. All the high lifted Toyota guys assess the thermoplastic boots as the ones to use. The ones on a car of mine are 24 years old and they are a thermo plastic. How many -25*F winters did they survive through?? The original ones were more of a rubber which reacts to UV and ozone. You'll probably never have to touch them again if you buy the good Mopar's ...as long as you own the truck.
- Remove CV shaft from truck. Rent a front-end Service kit (pullers) from the parts stores and then you don't have to hammer and bang (and swear!) at the ball joints ...easy and painless way to get joints released. Probably your truck's lower ball joints are either toast or getting there. They don't last all that long on these Rams. So remove the upperr/lowers (just remove the whole darn knuckle! from the tk). Then check the lower B-J's with your FINGERS. And Press in a new TRW (zerked) bj if it need replacing. TRW was the OEM supplier of most front end parts on these tk's. Prices are good, might as well stick to OEM quality instead of some of the crap out there nowadays.
- Cut metal boot-retaining bands with a cut-off tool/grinder, etc
- Find/unclip that hidden clip in the slimy grease. It's at the base of the axle (see first pic). Spread it open with a snap ring pliers (while tapping the end 'off' with gentle hammer blows. Helps to have in a vise. Once you get it the CV started off the shaft you don't need to hold the clip open.
- Remove outer CV end
- Soak in a bucket of gasoline for a while. The grease is synthetic so soak a while.
- Brush all the grease off with a clean bristle brush and re-rinse.
- Let dry completely
- Cut corner of bag of new grease and hold open corner of bag tight against the splined hole and squeeze hard ...squeeze all the grease into the hole (it'll squeeze out the bearings).
- Install new boot and small retaining ring.
- Slide CV assembly back onto shaft and clip will automatically snap onto axle groove.
- Clamp down retaining clamps with a special pliers (Amazon sells them).
- Reinstall CV shaft/axles. Put a daub of grease on the inner splines.
- Reassemble the front end. Like I say...check your tk's lower b-j's...
- Should take about 25-30 minutes per side.
That's it BOOM!! You're done!! Treat the Mrs (and yourself) to a good supper for a good job done ....with the $$ you saved!!
